New in this forum, hoping to find a few genuine people and to learn some. In january I am opening an ''unusual '' cigar shop situated in Montreal, Canada. I will fill in on some of its outstanding approaches along the way.
My question to all of you today is as follows :
I walk in a cigar shop, I wish to find the following :
For me, at least Aurora Cento Ano Cuban Bolivar Fuente X Romeo y Julieta Montecristo Hoyo de Monterrey Ramon Allones Partagas Cuban Punch Casa Blanca
This is the core of what I appreciate. If you can share your likings it can help me to cater to a common denominator.
Welcome.. unusual how? If I walk into a Canadian cigar shop, I'd like to see (other than ones you mentioned) Trinidads, Por Larranagas, Vegas Rs, Diplomaticos, H Ups, and Cohibas among others. I'd really like to see a line of imported boxes of Regionals from around the world on display. As well as a collection of rare ELs and other unusual releases. Non cubans would consist of Padrons, Pepins, and Gomez. Cushy seats, quality accessories, (Dupont, Xikar, etc.) and knowledgeable & friendly staff to round everything out
** as el guapo always say: godspeed & party on **
Posts: 701 | Location: joizey+nyc | Registered: April 29, 2009
Thank you for this intro; I do agree on the ''must'' list. Cushy sofas too, no doubt, and refined accessories from all over to be desired, though the focus will be mostly on unusual smokes, small series and ''must try''...Padrons 1926, 1964, Macanudos Special anniversaries, Auroras 100's...Yeah, by the way, I found 14 boxes of these, Coronas and Winnies...this is, to date, one of the best cigars I've had.
About the taxes issue...what can you do ? Well, I can answer this one to absolutely everybody's amazement: Buying your cigars in my shop will be tax deductible...how's that for unusual ?
My wife and I spend 14 days each year at the beginning of July in Montreal for the Jazz Festival. It is our FAVORITE city. We stay at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, which is a short walk to at least four cigar shops of varying "quality" in downtown Montreal. I know every cigar shop in the City and, of course, have my favorites. The very best cigar shop in Montrea, without a doubt, was the Davidoff shop, which I believe closed in 2006. They offered every Cuban on the market as well as a plethora of high end cigar paraphernalia. Their smoking room was decorated in dark wood with thick comfortable chairs and couches. They served an unbelievable Cuban Coffee (complimentary.) In addition their staff was knowledgeable and friendly and the folks who shared the smoking room were always warm and eager to discuss their city. In a word, it was the finest Cigar Shop I've had the pleasure of spending a few hours in. I'm a native of New Jersey (USA) and still keep in touch with some of the gentlemen that I met at the shop.
All of this being said, I'm a little confused about the nature of your question. Perhaps you could clarify a bit. I do know that when I was asked by one of the employees what my favorite cigars was I quickly responded "The Padron Millenium." Not only are Padron's unavailable in Canada (go figure), but they're about twice as expensive if you can get them as they are in the States. I was offered $70.00 for a Padron, 1964 Exclusivo Maduro, which cost me about $18.00 at the time in the States.
In any event, I wish you the best of luck in your new venture. Perhaps I can stop in and enjoy a smoke in July 2010 at the Jazz Festival. If you provide more information perhaps I can be of more assistance.
TheChief
"Cigar smoking knows no politics. It's about the pursuit of pleasure, taste, and aroma."
Posts: 3 | Location: Somerville, New Jersey | Registered: May 18, 2009
Indeed Montreal is rightly called the festival capital of the world with dozens of International caliber festivals each year, including the highly appreciable Jazz Festival.
In reply to your comment, Padron cigars are available in Canada. I too regret the disappearance of Davidoff, but people got fed up of chipping in for a $14 000 a month rent with $70 cigars which cost about half of this ( including, as said previously, the 1000% tax ) Hahaha
I am aiming for what I dream of, a dream cigar lounge,with wall to wall premium Cubans and all those savory smaller series from around the world, and, the way I am setting it up, indeed, cigars will be tax deductible...
Excuse me for the tease ( I thought that's what we did everytime we lit a Havana ! ) Anyway, the cigars are offered by the Robin Hood Philanthropic association in order to raise funds for the less fortunate, hence the cigar bill is a donation to the foundation, tax deductible...amongst other teases!! Hahaha ( we even ship worldwide )
When you receive goods in payment for a "donation", you cannot deduct the entire "contribution" on your taxes without getting a big fat visit from the IRS.
Maybe it works differently in the republic of canadia but here, you have to deduct the fair market value of the goods or services you receive from the amount of the contribution and only a portion is deductible.
-- Gary F.
Posts: 196 | Location: Bay Area, CA | Registered: September 27, 2009
it gives another meaning to the term ''Land of the free ! ''
If Bob Barker is given a car in exchange for public exposure of the product and this car is given and generates money for charities, the money generated by it is money the government does not have to caugh up, whence tax deductible for him who gave it.
Then again, as is said countless time, there is more suppleness North of the 53th parralel. Maybe, as good neighbors, you can benefit from it...as, say, getting Cubans... duty free !
not to mention that if you are going to give a receipt for tax purposes, you will need to be a registered charity...meaning that you will have to actually donate a large amount of your revenue to actually help those less fortunate. Leaving very little room for you to make any money.
Also, everyone would be audited in a blink of an eye... not worth it
